Research Question: To what extent does migration affect mental health?
In the globalised world in which we live, migration is omnipresent and increasingly on the rise. There are currently 214 million international migrants, 740 million internal migrants and an unknown number of migrants in an irregular situation all over the world. The status of these groups varies significantly, from those merely seeking a new way of life or better employment to those blighted by war and famine 1. This variation results in a wide variation in their health needs as well.
Current data suggests that most migrants, even from developing nations, do not have mental health challenges, but that they may be at an increased risk as a result of their experiences prior to, during, or after their arrival. These may include things like poverty, stigma, discrimination, social exclusion, language and cultural differences, separation from family and socio-cultural norms, administrative hurdles and legal status – the latter often the determining factor for access to health and social services.
In order to be able to develop this research question, I realize it would be difficult in terms of gaining the trust of migrant populations who may feel their data may be further used to discriminate against them. In order to overcome this, it would be suitable to perform an anonymous qualitative style interview with a member of their community who they trust and are familiar with, e.g. a health practitioner of the same cultural background where possible. This could take place after a consultation for example, and the heath practitioner would explain the purpose of the study, which is to better identify the needs of migrant populations and ensure they are adequately met, as well as identify those prone to mental health illness and seek ways to overcome this.
Some of the questions that could be developed further are listed below:
How long have you been living in the UK?
What is your country of origin?
Are you currently in employment/full/part time education?
Do you live alone or with family?
Do you suffer from any long term or chronic medical conditions?
How would you classify your health status before your arrival in the UK?
Has this changed? If so, how?
Since your arrival in the UK, have you been feeling down, low in mood or helpless in any way?
Do you feel you have good and equal access to the basic amenities you require?
Do you feel you have good access to the medical care you require?
Has you legal status ever prevented you from seeking the information or care you require? How does this make you feel?
Do you feel you are treated differently in health care settings because of your ethnic background? If so, how?
Do you feel a sense of community in the area you live?
1 http://www.who.int/hac/events/consultation_report_health_migrants_colour_web.pdf
